Trip to Kenya- help needed
Jan 12th, 2012, 07:46 AM
#21
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well then, with the flights for 2/nts Amboseli, 2/nts Samburu, 3/nts Mara and back to NBO, the $1K makes sense.
Of course you can do both elephants parks, but I'd prefer Samburu which is a nicer environment and species not found elsewhere. Amboseli has the benefit of 'possible' views of Kilimanjaro which can often be covered in clouds. Besides some months in dry season... it's very very dusty here.
Maybe instead of both ellie parks, fly to Nanyuki for stay at Sweetwaters, from where you can then fly to Samburu and Samburu to Mara and Mara to NBO. At Sweetwaters you can have bush walks and night game drives, even arrange lion tracking. Also here, the Jane Goodall Chimp Sanctuary.
And don't depend on being able to lay down on rear seat during game drives; even if you could, it's easy to be tossed off. Your husband can always ask to sit in the seat next to guide, up front which isn't near as bumpy as those in the rear.
If going with the flying safari, again... which lodges/camps are they offering?
Of course you can do both elephants parks, but I'd prefer Samburu which is a nicer environment and species not found elsewhere. Amboseli has the benefit of 'possible' views of Kilimanjaro which can often be covered in clouds. Besides some months in dry season... it's very very dusty here.
Maybe instead of both ellie parks, fly to Nanyuki for stay at Sweetwaters, from where you can then fly to Samburu and Samburu to Mara and Mara to NBO. At Sweetwaters you can have bush walks and night game drives, even arrange lion tracking. Also here, the Jane Goodall Chimp Sanctuary.
And don't depend on being able to lay down on rear seat during game drives; even if you could, it's easy to be tossed off. Your husband can always ask to sit in the seat next to guide, up front which isn't near as bumpy as those in the rear.
If going with the flying safari, again... which lodges/camps are they offering?
Jan 14th, 2012, 12:22 PM
#22
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
atravelynn and sandi really have traveled extensively in the East Africa region. They assisted us with our trip to East Africa and their advice was invaluable!! Thanks to them for their time and expertise!!
We had the time of our life!!! Plan carefully and ask a lot of questions about every possible detail!! If possible you may want to stay longer than eight nights. I can offer you my insight as to the areas you are showing an interest in, that we visited in Kenya.
If you can afford it, flying from area to area is definitely worth it especially with back problems. We incorporated drive and fly in our itinerary. We drove from Nairobi to Samburu--it was a long drive not too bad--6 hours, part of the road is tarmac--the road is not too bad, but a long trip!! Along the road to Samburu we were able to stop at a gift shop and purchase incredible wood carvings. I am sure this stop is standard in all road trips to Samburu, but the carvings are absolutely unique. We also drove from Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru!!! Do not attempt this, it is not a road.
We had our own vehicles and guides. Insist on 4 x 4's (we assisted a van that got stuck in Samburu) and ask for pictures of the vehicles.
Samburu is definitely worth seeing, we saw an incredible amount of elephants. We even saw giraffes drinking water!!! The park was not crowded and we saw so many animals that are only indigenous to that area!!!
We stayed at Lion Hill in Nakuru. My personal opinion is Lion Hill Lodge is okay for one night, but no more!! The park is very small, but definitely worth seeing due the pink flamingos and being able to walk on the beach of the lake and take pictures. We also had a great sighting of a leopard and a rhinoceros family up close in Nakuru.
Masai Mara was an incredible once of a lifetime experience. We were able to see the migration which is a phenomenon.
Have a wonderful time--a trip to Africa is so special.
We had the time of our life!!! Plan carefully and ask a lot of questions about every possible detail!! If possible you may want to stay longer than eight nights. I can offer you my insight as to the areas you are showing an interest in, that we visited in Kenya.
If you can afford it, flying from area to area is definitely worth it especially with back problems. We incorporated drive and fly in our itinerary. We drove from Nairobi to Samburu--it was a long drive not too bad--6 hours, part of the road is tarmac--the road is not too bad, but a long trip!! Along the road to Samburu we were able to stop at a gift shop and purchase incredible wood carvings. I am sure this stop is standard in all road trips to Samburu, but the carvings are absolutely unique. We also drove from Masai Mara to Lake Nakuru!!! Do not attempt this, it is not a road.
We had our own vehicles and guides. Insist on 4 x 4's (we assisted a van that got stuck in Samburu) and ask for pictures of the vehicles.
Samburu is definitely worth seeing, we saw an incredible amount of elephants. We even saw giraffes drinking water!!! The park was not crowded and we saw so many animals that are only indigenous to that area!!!
We stayed at Lion Hill in Nakuru. My personal opinion is Lion Hill Lodge is okay for one night, but no more!! The park is very small, but definitely worth seeing due the pink flamingos and being able to walk on the beach of the lake and take pictures. We also had a great sighting of a leopard and a rhinoceros family up close in Nakuru.
Masai Mara was an incredible once of a lifetime experience. We were able to see the migration which is a phenomenon.
Have a wonderful time--a trip to Africa is so special.
Jan 14th, 2012, 05:17 PM
#23
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you are an elephant fanatic, then both Amboseli and Samburu could make sense. If you have always wanted to see Kilimanjaro, then be sure to include Amboseli for a chance to view the mountain, though no guarantees.
Samburu's landscape is more attractive than Amboseli's in my opinion and there are unique species of ostrich, antelope, giraffe, and zebra not found in most other Kenya parks you'll visit.
Laying down in back of the vehicle is still very bumpy as Sandi mentions. The bumpiness increases as you move to the rear. Also, if you are sharing a vehicle, other people might not be happy with one person consistently getting an entire row of seats to himself/herself, meaning everyone else must share the remainder.
You also mentioned a preference "shorter trips and better roads." Cutting game drives short or not proceeding into bumpy areas in pursuit of wildlife could cause big problems with other guests in the vehicles. They may not want their trip compromised due to special needs of one guest. Whenever one guest has particular needs and wants, such as those you outline, a private vehicle makes sense.
I'll admit I would not be pleased if I shared a vehicle with someone who claimed the entire back seat for each drive, wanted to avoid bumps, and asked for shortened outings.
The itinerary Sandi suggested, that has Nakuru and Sweetwaters, offers your best chances at rhino. Nakuru has flamingos. Sweetwaters allows you to do walking and has a Jane Goodall Chimp Sanctuary. An Amboseli and Samburu combo will not have rhino, chimps, flamingos, and very likely no walks.
<i>"Or Leave Samburu and include Mt Kenya or Lake Nakuru"? </i>I'd leave in Samburu and keep Nakuru and also Sweetwaters at Ol Pejeta, which is in Mt. Kenya. Then you'd be back at Sandi's suggested itinerary, a nice one week Kenya safari.
Samburu's landscape is more attractive than Amboseli's in my opinion and there are unique species of ostrich, antelope, giraffe, and zebra not found in most other Kenya parks you'll visit.
Laying down in back of the vehicle is still very bumpy as Sandi mentions. The bumpiness increases as you move to the rear. Also, if you are sharing a vehicle, other people might not be happy with one person consistently getting an entire row of seats to himself/herself, meaning everyone else must share the remainder.
You also mentioned a preference "shorter trips and better roads." Cutting game drives short or not proceeding into bumpy areas in pursuit of wildlife could cause big problems with other guests in the vehicles. They may not want their trip compromised due to special needs of one guest. Whenever one guest has particular needs and wants, such as those you outline, a private vehicle makes sense.
I'll admit I would not be pleased if I shared a vehicle with someone who claimed the entire back seat for each drive, wanted to avoid bumps, and asked for shortened outings.
The itinerary Sandi suggested, that has Nakuru and Sweetwaters, offers your best chances at rhino. Nakuru has flamingos. Sweetwaters allows you to do walking and has a Jane Goodall Chimp Sanctuary. An Amboseli and Samburu combo will not have rhino, chimps, flamingos, and very likely no walks.
<i>"Or Leave Samburu and include Mt Kenya or Lake Nakuru"? </i>I'd leave in Samburu and keep Nakuru and also Sweetwaters at Ol Pejeta, which is in Mt. Kenya. Then you'd be back at Sandi's suggested itinerary, a nice one week Kenya safari.
Jan 15th, 2012, 08:07 AM
#24
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Granted EUV (exclusive use of vehicle) can be expensive, however, you don't have to do this for your entire stay in the Mara. Maybe consider this for 1/day, where you can decide when to start/conclude the game viewing, whether for full-day taking a boxed/picnic lunch; can view specific game as long as you wish, all without influence from others if you had been sharing.
Jan 15th, 2012, 12:20 PM
#25
Join Date: Aug 2010
Posts: 701
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have periodic back issues and altho rarely used thankfully, I brought along one of those inflatable seat cushions and also one for the back which minimized some of the jostling around.
As suggested the seat next to the driver will also be more comfortable. But if thinking about lying down in the back seat of a 4x4 one would first have to get themselves there by climbing up the rungs on the side of the vehicle. This is not something I'd want to do or could do with a bad back!
Getting photos of the vehicles used is an excellent idea.
Altho I haven't been to Amboseli I absolutely loved Samburu with it's reticulated giraffe, grevy zebra, beisa oryx and amazing landscape. I highly recommend it!
As suggested the seat next to the driver will also be more comfortable. But if thinking about lying down in the back seat of a 4x4 one would first have to get themselves there by climbing up the rungs on the side of the vehicle. This is not something I'd want to do or could do with a bad back!
Getting photos of the vehicles used is an excellent idea.
Altho I haven't been to Amboseli I absolutely loved Samburu with it's reticulated giraffe, grevy zebra, beisa oryx and amazing landscape. I highly recommend it!
Jan 15th, 2012, 06:15 PM
#26
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for all the help. I finally concluded my itinerary.
Sandi- The great advice of including one Amboselli or Somburu.
atravalynn the suggestion of spending more time at Masai Mara.
KathBC, I will make sure we have pillow and cushions for my husband.
Crosscheck- thanks for mentioning Gamewatchers Safari. I was inspired to call them and was so impressed be the description by Julie of Gamwatchers(so helpful)of the Porini camps. I was so mesmerized that forgot all about my budget limit and booked the Porini Lion camp. Here is the final Safari itinerary:
2 days - Ambosilli Porini camp (drive, hope its ok, Julie said at this time of year Ambosilli is better to be)
4 days - Porini Lion Camp, Masai Mara (fly from Ambosilli to Nairobi and then Mara)
1 day - Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, Lake Nakuru ( fly back Nairobi then drive)
Back to Nairobi to hotel- Southern Sun
Flight back home.
I will need more help by you all, while planning for the trip.
Like: How to get through the Visa lines at Nairobi...?
Sandi- The great advice of including one Amboselli or Somburu.
atravalynn the suggestion of spending more time at Masai Mara.
KathBC, I will make sure we have pillow and cushions for my husband.
Crosscheck- thanks for mentioning Gamewatchers Safari. I was inspired to call them and was so impressed be the description by Julie of Gamwatchers(so helpful)of the Porini camps. I was so mesmerized that forgot all about my budget limit and booked the Porini Lion camp. Here is the final Safari itinerary:
2 days - Ambosilli Porini camp (drive, hope its ok, Julie said at this time of year Ambosilli is better to be)
4 days - Porini Lion Camp, Masai Mara (fly from Ambosilli to Nairobi and then Mara)
1 day - Sarova Lion Hill Lodge, Lake Nakuru ( fly back Nairobi then drive)
Back to Nairobi to hotel- Southern Sun
Flight back home.
I will need more help by you all, while planning for the trip.
Like: How to get through the Visa lines at Nairobi...?
Jan 16th, 2012, 06:58 AM
#27
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 2,875
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
niharika - Congrats on booking! You will LOVE the Porini camps and will be well taken care of by Gamewatchers. I still dream of my time there and hope to return.
Check out my trip report - I think the photo link still works:
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-adventure.cfm
The Porini vehicles are excellent, and the drive to Amboseli was easy, comfortable and gave us a good glimpse of local culture - the village visit is a real highlight. We did an incredible full-day walking safari (on flat terrain). You might not have enough time for that, but you can go on a shorter walk and arrange to have breakfast in the bush.
At Lion Porini, in addition to the epic migration sightings and multiple cheetah kills, we organized a shorter walking safari, a school visit and sundowners at an amazing location on a cliff.
Re: Visa lines in Nairobi. Someone on Fodors told us there was a hidden hallway that led to an empty customs line. I think you had to turn left instead of right when exiting immigration...I'm sure someone will chime in with accurate info. My family was impressed that I knew about this shortcut and we were out of the airport in ten minutes (of course, we only had carry-on).
Check out my trip report - I think the photo link still works:
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...-adventure.cfm
The Porini vehicles are excellent, and the drive to Amboseli was easy, comfortable and gave us a good glimpse of local culture - the village visit is a real highlight. We did an incredible full-day walking safari (on flat terrain). You might not have enough time for that, but you can go on a shorter walk and arrange to have breakfast in the bush.
At Lion Porini, in addition to the epic migration sightings and multiple cheetah kills, we organized a shorter walking safari, a school visit and sundowners at an amazing location on a cliff.
Re: Visa lines in Nairobi. Someone on Fodors told us there was a hidden hallway that led to an empty customs line. I think you had to turn left instead of right when exiting immigration...I'm sure someone will chime in with accurate info. My family was impressed that I knew about this shortcut and we were out of the airport in ten minutes (of course, we only had carry-on).
Jan 16th, 2012, 08:06 AM
#28
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The planning is hard. Now that's done. The visas are easy. Just go to the line for non-visa holders. Everything is clearly marked and you can follow the crowd. You pay, get your visa, give your electronic fingerprints, get admitted to the country, all in about 3 minutes. The lines can take about 10-60 minutes. Even if you don't find a hidden line, it's no problem.
You'll have a fantastic trip!
You'll have a fantastic trip!
Jan 16th, 2012, 12:16 PM
#29
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 13,407
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Passport control at Nairobi. There are 2 sets of passport control desks at Nairobi that are connected by a hallway in between (the Simba lounge, prayer room, etc are also located off this hallway). Most passengers will head to the set of desks closest to their arrival gate. To get to the other set, just walk through the connecting hallway (whether you go left or right will depend on which set of desks you're standing in front of to begin with). Have fun!
Jan 16th, 2012, 03:49 PM
#30
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gamewatchers and Porini camps won't disappoint. Better choices than those initially mentioned.
Glad to see you're flying back from the Mara to NBO and then driving (2.5/hrs) to Nakuru; otherwise the drive from the Mara would be 5+/hrs and not the best road.
Now, you'll be asking about 'what to pack' but there are lots of threads on that subject here on Fodors... easy enough.
Glad to see you're flying back from the Mara to NBO and then driving (2.5/hrs) to Nakuru; otherwise the drive from the Mara would be 5+/hrs and not the best road.
Now, you'll be asking about 'what to pack' but there are lots of threads on that subject here on Fodors... easy enough.
Jan 19th, 2012, 04:49 PM
#32
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 14,440
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Some safari companies provide you with Flying Doctors, which would evacuate you out of the bush. I always get a big evacuation policy of $500,000 to $1,000.000. That's the part that could wipe me out if I ever was terribly unfortunate enough to need it.
As for cancellation, trip interruption, etc.it depends on your circumstances and health and how much you can afford to lose. Also peace of mind is important. Check on the timing of your initial deposit, final deposit, and insurance purchase as the benefits can vary with the timing.
Check insuremytrip dot com. That's where I usually get any trip insurance.
As for cancellation, trip interruption, etc.it depends on your circumstances and health and how much you can afford to lose. Also peace of mind is important. Check on the timing of your initial deposit, final deposit, and insurance purchase as the benefits can vary with the timing.
Check insuremytrip dot com. That's where I usually get any trip insurance.
Jan 20th, 2012, 08:38 AM
#34
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 8,675
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you prepay for 'any' trip 'anywhere' you should always consider Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, unless you can afford to loose your payment.
The site at Insure My Trip www.insuremytrip.com offers Comprehensive policies that include: cancel/interrupt, flight/baggage delay, baggage loss, medical/dental and medication evacuation. On average the cost is about 6-7% of the total amount being insured and the ages of the travelers, also the State (assuming a US citizen) in which you live.
Or, there are only Medical/Evacuation policies - some offer single trip, others annual policies which if you travel often can be a good deal.
If you or any in your party have a pre-existing medical conditions, policies have to be purchased within 10-14/days (varies by policy provider) from date of initial deposit.
Check the site (though there are others similar), read the drop-down menus for inclusions/exclusions; if need be, there is an 800# to call and speak to a human for specifics.
I never leave home without and not only for a trip to Africa, also Australia/New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Middle-East, Europe, etc. Anyone can have an accident anywhere, take ill for whatever reason, even something as being delayed getting to the airport for departure from home, jury duty, etc.
The site at Insure My Trip www.insuremytrip.com offers Comprehensive policies that include: cancel/interrupt, flight/baggage delay, baggage loss, medical/dental and medication evacuation. On average the cost is about 6-7% of the total amount being insured and the ages of the travelers, also the State (assuming a US citizen) in which you live.
Or, there are only Medical/Evacuation policies - some offer single trip, others annual policies which if you travel often can be a good deal.
If you or any in your party have a pre-existing medical conditions, policies have to be purchased within 10-14/days (varies by policy provider) from date of initial deposit.
Check the site (though there are others similar), read the drop-down menus for inclusions/exclusions; if need be, there is an 800# to call and speak to a human for specifics.
I never leave home without and not only for a trip to Africa, also Australia/New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Middle-East, Europe, etc. Anyone can have an accident anywhere, take ill for whatever reason, even something as being delayed getting to the airport for departure from home, jury duty, etc.
Thread
Original Poster
Forum
Replies
Last Post
gc2012
Africa & the Middle East
17
Apr 5th, 2013 12:23 PM
